By Robert Remler
Valley Stream High School District takes steps to strenghten security
High school students and staff in Valley Stream soon will be more secure thanks to a new district-wide ID card program soon to take effect, according to school officials.
Up to 4,600 photo identification cards are to be issued to all Valley Stream High School District students, teachers, administrators and school staff.
The new policy is being facilitated by the district's $8 million dollar technology program installed this summer. A previous ID card policy has been dormant for lack of necessary technology, school officials have said.
School Superintendent Dr. Ronald Valenti said that while student identification cards are not new to the district, the effort this year is to "ensure that all students and staff" are provided with a card. With the installation of new technology, the district now has the capability to maintain and promptly update the identification card system in "a prompt and efficient manner," said Dr. Valenti. The superintendent said the cost of the ID program would be no more than $2,500.
"Student identification cards are extremely important to maintain the health, safety and welfare of all within the building," said Dr. Valenti, "since proper identification is required to ensure student and staff well being."
Dr. Valenti said that the cards would also be used in the library and possibly in the cafeterias. Each card will include the student's name, school and a library ID number. He said that there would be no student signature on the card.
Confidentiality is provided by maintaining the information on an administrative network, which is separate and apart from the student access network, according to Dr. Valenti.
"I do not interpret a student ID as an infringement on student rights," said Dr. Valenti. The superintendent said the cards would benefit students because it provides a level of school-wide security, safety and access to the library.
Barbara Bernstein of the Nassau County Civil Liberties Association said her group feels comfortable with the school's policy for requesting student ID's. "They can even require students to sign it," she said. "It's to assure the security in the building," said Ms. Bernstein. "We feel comfortable that it is not an infringement on anyone's right to privacy."
Board President Frank Nuara said the cards are needed for security purposes. "We want to make sure that with the new technology at our finger tips that the entire student body does have identification cards," said Mr. Nuara.
Mr. Nuara said if a student refuses to register for a card he would have to investigate what the Board's recourse would be.
Trustee William Stris said he introduced the need for a student identification card to the high school board seven years ago. "The philosophy behind the card is that it is for security purposes," said Mr. Stris. He said that the card makes it easier to identify students, especially off school grounds.
"The Board originally felt it was a violation of student's rights," Mr. Stris said, but a New York court case determined otherwise, according to Mr. Stris.
If a student refused to register for a card, Mr. Stris said that the first question he would ask is why. He said that some individuals do not want their pictures taken for religious reasons. "But, if they did not have a legitimate reason, then the Board would call their parents and ask why," said Mr. Stris. "It's something that the students look forward to," said Mr. Stris. "It's a handy card to have."
Robert Lupinskie, past president of the North Shore School Board Presidents Association and current member of the Nassau County BOCES Board, likes the idea of student identification cards. "With all of the focus on safety and safety in schools in this post-Columbine environment, it is an important consideration." He said the concept of identification cards has been used across the country where some students, such as seniors, are allowed to leave the premises and others are not.
Dr. Martin Brooks, former Valley Stream High School District superintendent and current president of the Nassau County Schools Superintendent Association, said it is not uncommon for secondary schools to require students to carry identification cards. "As for county-wide implementation, each school district must assess its own needs and determine whether or not this procedure will respond to its needs," he said.
Inspector William McHale, Commanding Officer of Fifth Nassau County Police Precinct, said that within his territory, only the Sewanakah School District required students to carry identification cards.
"I don't think the ID card is to take the place of the staff of the school knowing their students," said Inspector McHale. He said that in some select situations, if a police officer asked to see the identification card, "it would certainly eliminate the question of who that child is. I wouldn't say that would happen very often," said Inspector McHale.
Aside from clerical and administrative benefits as a result of issuing identification cards, the Inspector didn't see the cards as having an impact on a reduction in juvenile delinquency. He said that adults also carry identification cards in the form of driver licenses, social security cards and library cards.
Students like cards
At least some Central High School students agree with Mr. Stris. "A lot of us as youngsters, as adolescents, don't have a form of identification," said Gary Dillon, a 12th grader. "We need a student identification card just to take the SAT's," the student said.
Sean Camacho, an 11th grader, liked the idea of a student identification card because it gave him a sense of belonging. "I think photo IDs are good," he said, " because they make you feel more a part of your school."
Zach, another Central student, saw the need for a photo identification card. "Some jobs require identification," he said. "The other day I went to the doctor and I needed a school ID and I didn't have one."
